The Intersection of Housing and Health

Room 1060, 1st Floor

What happens when someone with a chronic illness sleeps under a bridge? When a diabetic stores insulin in a tent? When someone with untreated psychosis is evicted from the last shelter bed? This interactive session explores the connection between housing and health through the work of Street Medicine Kalamazoo, a program delivering care directly to people sleeping rough. Using patient stories, local and national data, the session will discuss how housing instability fuels medical crises—and how untreated illness can derail housing stability. 

Presenters

Sravani, Alluri, MD: Dr. Sravani Alluri is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Family and Community Medicine at Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine and the Director of Street Medicine Kalamazoo. She leads efforts to provide medical care for unhoused individuals, partnering with local medical and community organizations to reduce barriers to care. Her work blends clinical practice, public health, and advocacy, with a focus on health equity and innovative approaches to addressing healthcare disparities. 

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Erica Noelle V. Destin, MSW: EricaNoelle V. Destin (she/her) is a masters level social worker.  She obtained her degree from Hunter College in New York City. She has worked at WMed for 6 years in several capacities; most recently, as the inaugural healthcare navigator for Street Medicine, Kalamazoo.  She orients, trains and supervises medical students, residents, social work students and coordinates care for chronically-ill unhoused patients who are seen in our mobile and shelter clinics within and around Kalamazoo.